Migraines & headaches decisions — 2012

The Veteran's migraine headaches and temporomandibular jaw syndrome have been rated at the maximum available evaluation of 30 percent, but no higher. The evidence does not support a finding that either condition warrants an even higher rating.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining VA treatment records and scheduling a VA examination to assess the combined effect of his service-connected disabilities on employment.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have service connection for any of the claimed conditions, as there is no evidence of current disabilities or a link to service.

The Board found that there is no competent, credible, or probative evidence linking the Veteran's left knee disability and headaches to her military service. As a result, the claims for service connection were denied.

The Veteran's sinusitis with sinus headaches is currently manifested by evidence of radical surgery and near constant symptoms, resulting in a disability rating of 50 percent.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for drug and alcohol dependence, bilateral shoulder disorder, headache disorder, kidney disorder, acquired psychiatric disorder (including major depressive disorder, anxiety disorder, disturbances of motivation and mood), loss of smell, scars of the feet, and right eye disorder as they are not shown to have had their clinical onset during service or to be caused by a service-connected disability.

The Veteran's appeal was dismissed due to his death during the pendency of the appeal.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for traumatic brain injury with headaches, blurred vision and photophobia is being remanded due to the need for a VA examination.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for joint pain, muscle fatigue, headaches, skin rash, and problems taking deep breaths, finding that these conditions were not incurred or aggravated by his military service.

The Veteran's initial claim for a higher evaluation for his service-connected status post concussion headaches was denied by the Board, as the evidence did not show that he met the criteria for an evaluation in excess of 10 percent.

The Veteran's claims for increased evaluations of his service-connected posttraumatic headaches due to TBI and PTSD with insomnia and cognitive disorder, not otherwise specified, due to TBI were granted. The rating for right shoulder tendonitis was also granted, but the claim for a higher evaluation prior to March 6, 2008, is denied. The Veteran's claim for an effective date earlier than September 3, 2010, for the award of service connection for right upper extremity radiculopathy remains pending.

The Veteran's headache disorder was not incurred in or aggravated by active service and is not causally-related to a service-connected disability.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for erectile dysfunction, migraine headaches, rosacea, vertigo, skin cancer (lump removed from head and face), vitiligo, and an eye disorder have been previously denied. The new evidence does not raise a reasonable possibility of substantiating these claims.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including VA examinations to address the Veteran's claims of service connection for his right ankle injury, skin disorder, and headaches.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for additional development due to outstanding service treatment records and clarification of his tinnitus claim.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claim of entitlement to service connection for migraine headaches and finds that new and material evidence has been received. The Veteran now has a right to have his claim decided on its merits.

The Veteran's claim for financial assistance in the purchase of specially adapted housing was denied as he does not meet any of the criteria for such benefits due to his service-connected disabilities.

The Board has determined that additional development, including obtaining VA examination reports and updating treatment records, is necessary before the claims can be adjudicated. The Veteran's throat cancer may or may not be related to service exposure.

The Veteran's claim for special monthly compensation based on the need for aid and attendance due to her service-connected disabilities is being remanded as additional medical inquiry is required.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including a VA examination to determine if his hypertension is related to service-connected PTSD, tinnitus, and migraine headaches. The TDIU issue also needs to be addressed.